laois-kilkenny reinforcement project...preferred substation site for an ais and also for a gis type...

Laois-Kilkenny Reinforcement Project 400/110kV Emerging Substation Site PE687-F0261-R261-006-003

ESBI Engineering & Facility Management Ltd Stephen Court, 18/21 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland Telephone+353-1-703 8000 Fax+353-1-661 6600 www.esbi.ie

AOS Planning Limited

2nd Floor The Courtyard, 25 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1, Tel 01 874 7704, www.aosplanning.ie

File Reference:

PE687-F0261

Client:

EirGrid

Project Title:

Laois-Kilkenny Reinforcement Project

Report Title:

400/110kV Emerging Substation Site

Report No.:

PE687-F0261-R261-006-003

Rev. No.:

3

Volume 1 of 1

Prepared By Environmental Sections – Ciara Kellett, AOS Planning Ltd. Technical Sections – Shane McLoughney, ESB International

APPROVED: Shane McLoughney TITLE: Overhead Line Planner

DATE: April 2011

COPYRIGHT © ESB INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (2004) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, NO PART OF THIS WORK MAY BE MODIFIED OR REPRODUCED OR COPIES IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS - GRAPHIC, ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL, INCLUDING PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, TAPING OR INFORMATION AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, OR USED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN ITS DESIGNATED PURPOSE, WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF ESB INTERNATIONAL LIMITED.

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Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to present the process that was undertaken in order to identify a suitable location for siting the proposed 400/110 kV substation in Laois.

The proposed substation can be either Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) or Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) type design. At the time of preparing this report no decision has been made on which technology to employ and as a result this report finds one suitable location for each type.

The proposed substation is to connect to the existing Moneypoint-Dunstown 400kV and Carlow-Portlaoise 110kV overhead lines which intersect (pass over) in the study area. A new 110kV circuit is also required to connect to a new 110kV development proposed adjacent to the existing ESB Ballyragget 38kV substation located in Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny.

An iterative approach was applied in order to identify the emerging preferred sites. The general methodology was firstly to define a suitable Substation Study Area. A 4km diameter circular area, centred on the intersection of the existing Moneypoint-Dunstown 400kV and Carlow-Portlaoise 110kV overhead lines was selected. This was deemed an appropriately sized area within which it could be expected to find a suitable site.

The next step was to identify constraints within the Study Area. This allowed for an informed identification of nine folios by ESBI which could potentially accommodate the development. Due to the considerable size difference in the overall footprints between an AIS and a GIS station, some of the smaller folios can only accommodate a GIS type design. These nine folios were then subject to an environmental appraisal by AOS Planning Ltd.

As well as providing an overall evaluation of each folio in its entirety, the assessments also highlighted constraints confined to certain parts of a folio. On the basis of these assessments it was deemed unsuitable to progress further with some folios and as a result the nine folios were refined down to four. This assessment process also provided an informed starting point for identifying and developing specific layouts within these folios.

Specific sites and line route configurations associated with each of the four suitable folios were developed. These four sites and line route configurations were subsequently assessed by ESBI and considered under the following technical criteria: Siting of Substation within Folio, Required Connections to Transmission System, Capacity for Accommodating Potential Future Offloads, Road Access to Substation, Screening and Cost. This process established sites 3 and 4 as the emerging preferences for the AIS and the GIS solutions respectively.

For due diligence a final environmental assessment was carried out on all four sites. This did not identify any environmental constraints that deemed the preferred substation sites unsuitable.

No geotechnical site investigations or ground surveys have been carried out on any of the sites. It is therefore recommended that specialist site investigations are carried out prior to the final acquisition of the preferred site.

It is the recommendation of this report that site 3 is acquired if an AIS substation is to be developed and site 4 if a GIS substation is to be developed.

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Contents Executive Summary ii

PART A: OVERVIEW & INITIAL FOLIO SELECTIONS.

1 Introduction 1 1.1 Overview 1 1.2 Substation Study Area Details 2 1.3 Proposed 400/110kV Substation Development 4 1.4 Overhead Line Connections 6

2 Selection of Suitable Folios 7 2.1 Methodology for Initial Folio Selection 7 2.2 Substation Study Area Constraints 7 2.3 Initial Folio Identification & Appraisals 9 2.4 Summary of Initial Folio Selection 24

PART B: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF FOLIO SELECTIONS.

3 Environmental Assessment of Candidate Folios 26 3.1 Overview 26 3.2 Assessment of Substation Folios – Ecology 27 3.3 Assessment of Substation Folios – Cultural Heritage 34 3.4 Assessment of Substation Folios – Hydrology & Hydrogeology 46 3.5 Assessment of Substation Folios – Soils & Geology 54 3.6 Assessment of Substation Folios - Human Beings 59 3.7 Assessment of Substation Folios – Landscape & Visual Impact 64 3.8 Overall Assessment 72

PART C: IDENTIFICATION , TECHNICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF SUITABLE

SUBSTATION SITES.

4 Identification and Technical Assessment of Suitable Substation Sites 76 4.1 Site 1 77 4.2 Site 3 79 4.3 Site 4 82 4.4 Site 5 84 4.5 Preferred Compound Site(s) 86

5 Environmental Considerations of Suitable Substation Sites 87 5.1 Site 1 88 5.2 Site 3 90 5.3 Site 4 92 5.4 Site 5 94 5.5 Overall Environmental Assessments of Sites 96

PART D: CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION.

6 Conclusion & Recommendation 97

Appendix A – Study Area Location 99 Appendix B – Sites Location Map 100 Appendix C – Ecology 101 Appendix D – Cultural Heritage 101 Appendix E – Hydrology & Hydrogeology 102 Appendix F – Soil & Geology 106

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Appendix G – Proposed GIS Compound Site on Folio 1 108 Appendix H – Proposed GIS Compound Site on Folio 3 109 Appendix I – Proposed AIS Compound Site on Folio 3 110 Appendix J – Proposed GIS Compound Site on Folio 4 111 Appendix K – Proposed GIS Compound Site on Folio 5 112 Appendix L - Photographs of Typical Overhead Line Structures 113

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PART A: OVERVIEW & INITIAL FOLIO SELECTIONS

1 Introduction

1.1 Overview

This report identifies and assesses a number of potential candidate folios in order to identify the optimum site in which to locate the proposed Laois – Kilkenny Reinforcement Project 400/110kV substation. The proposed substation development is to be either Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) or Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) type design and as a result, this report identifies a site for both design types. The report is divided into 4 parts (parts A, B, C & D) as follows:

Part A: Overview & Initial Folio Selections

Identify candidate folios to accommodate a 400/110kV AIS and/or GIS substation development and associated connections.

Part B: Environmental Assessment of Folio Selections

Establish the preferred folio(s) for the substation development by environmental assessment of candidate folios identified. This section therefore creates a shortlist of folios for further study and also identifies any particular areas of constraint within these shortlisted folios.

Part C: Identification , Technical & Environmental Assessment of Suitable Substation Sites

Establish a suitable site location for the substation compound within each of the preferred folio(s) from a technical perspective. This results in the identification of a preferred substation site for an AIS and also for a GIS type layout.

A due diligence environmental assessment of the suitable site locations is then carried out.

Part D: Conclusion & Recommendation

Conclude and recommend the optimum AIS and/or GIS substation site for acquisition.

All folios identified1 were reviewed with both technologies considered, however not all folios identified can accommodate an AIS type substation due to its size, which is considerably larger than a GIS substation.

As requested by EirGrid, the proposed substation will connect to the existing transmission network by looping the existing Dunstown-Moneypoint 400kV and the Carlow–Portlaoise 110kV circuits to the substation. These lines cross each other in the townland of Money Lower, Co. Laois which was identified as the centre of the substation study area. See Figure 1.1 overleaf and also Appendix A.

1For this report the word folio is used to describe a parcel of land or landholding, usually under a single owner and registered under a single “folio number” by Irelands Property Registration Authority.

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Furthermore, the proposed substation will connect to a new 110kV development proposed adjacent to the existing ESB Ballyragget 38kV substation located in Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny via a new 110kV circuit.

A 4km diameter circular substation study area was established by ESBI. This study area was considered to be a suitable study area size by virtue of the fact that it would minimise the necessary circuit connections to the transmission system while taking technical and environmental constraints into account.

All environmental assessments within this report were carried out by AOS Planning Ltd., and all technical assessments including initial folio selection and site identification were carried out by ESB International.

Figure 1.1: Substation Study Area: (Red Line = Dunstown-Moneypoint 400kV Line; Black line = Carlow–Portlaoise 110kV Line).

Ordnance Survey Licence No. EN0023709-13

1.2 Substation Study Area Details

The study area is located approximately 5km south west of Stradbally, Co. Laois and 7km south east of Portlaoise, Co. Laois. The circular study area is 4km in diameter and 12.5km² in area, centred on the intersection point of the existing 400kV and 110kV overhead lines in the townland of Money Lower (see appendix A).

The substation study area is located in a relatively low lying area bounded to the east by the Timahoe and Bauteogue Rivers, to the southeast by Ballymore/Ballyprior Hills, to the west by the R426 road, to the south by Timahoe village and to the north by Hewson Hill, Grange Upper and the N80 Portlaoise-Carlow national road.

The substation study area encroaches either fully or partially on 21 townlands. These are as follows:

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Ballygormill North, Ballygormill South, Bauteogue, Bigbog, Carrigeen (E.D. Timogue), Coolnabacky, Coolnacarrick, Cremorgan, Derrytrasna, Dysart, Esker, Hophall, Killalooghan, Killavally, Lamberton Demesne, Loughakeo, Loughteeog, Money Lower, Money Upper, Powelstown, Raheenanisky.

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1.3 Proposed 400/110kV Substation Development

The technical requirements for the new 400kV substation is as follows:

Minimum 6 x 400kV bays (2 x Transformer bays, 4 x line bays = Moneypoint and Dunstown and 2 spare bays)

1 x 400 k V double busbar (rated to 3000A)

1 x 400kV Coupler

400/110kV 250MVA double wound Transformers

1 x 110kV double busbar (rated to 2500A)

2 x 110kV Coupler (one of which is to be a spare)

Minimum 9 x 110kV bays (2 x Transformers bays, 7 x Line bays = Portlaoise, Carlow, Ballyragget and 4 spare bays)

Note: It is standard practice to provide future capacity in new substations in the form of spare bays. For the purposes of the Laois – Kilkenny Reinforcement Project, five circuits to the station are required (4 of these connections will be to existing overhead lines already in the area, while the fifth will be the new circuit to Ballyragget).

At the time of writing this report a decision on the selection of either AIS or GIS technologies had still to be made by EirGrid, therefore the report assesses sites for both technologies and establishes the optimum site. Based on the scope of the substation as defined by EirGrid, the indicative sizes of the AIS and GIS substation compounds were estimated to be:

Air Insulated Substation:

235.5m x 199m

(c.11.6 acres/ 4.68ha)

Gas Insulated Substation:

90.7m x 117m

(c.2.62 acres/ 1.06 ha)

Table 1.1 Substation sizes

A typical 400/110kV AIS substation compound consists of a control building typically circa 15m x 25m x 7m in height. All of the switchgear is outdoors. The highest elements of this substation are several lightning protection structures spaced around the compound which are typically circa 28m in height; figure 1.2 illustrates an indicative 400/110kV AIS substation layout.

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Figure 1.2: Indicative AIS Substation Layout

No screening is shown on the image above.

A typical 400/110kV GIS substation compound consists of a 400kV building typically circa 12m x 43m x 11m in height and a 110kV building typically circa 27m x 10m x 8m in height. These buildings contain the switchgear. The power transformers are located next to the 400kV building and are separated by a fire wall. The highest element of this substation is a single lightning protection structure in the centre of the compound which is typically circa 28m in height; figure 1.3 illustrates an indicative 400/110kV GIS substation layout.

Figure 1.3: Indicative GIS Substation Layout*

*The shaded area outside the compound illustrates the difference in size between an AIS substation and a GIS substation

No screening is shown on the image above.

Additional lands for roads, landscaping, possible end masts and/or future expansion of the site were also considered when reviewing lands in the study area.

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1.4 Overhead Line Connections

The report assumes connection to an AIS substation will be made via overhead line connection for both 400kV and 110kV connections.

Connections to a GIS substation are assumed to connect directly to the substation for the 400kV circuit and connect to a line/cable interface mast close to the substation compound boundary for the 110kV circuits.2

400kV lines are supported by lattice steel towers ranging in height from circa 28m to 68m.

110kV lines are generally supported by portal woodpole structures ranging in length from circa 16m to 23m (a minimum of 2.3m is buried underground) except where the line changes direction where a lattice steel tower is used ranging in height circa 18m to 24m.

Photographs of the typical overhead line structures used for the proposed can be seen in Appendix L.

2 Typically GIS manufacturers design the equipment on the basis that all incomming connections will be cabled in (via a cable basement/pit). At 400kV, the line is fed directly into the GIS (via busduct) due to the expense and the difficulty of working with 400kV cables (Large bending radius, ducting requirements etc). At all other voltage levels (MV - 220KV) the lines are cabled into the GIS.

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2 Selection of Suitable Folios

2.1 Methodology for Initial Folio Selection

Initially a desktop study was carried out including review of OSi mapping, An Post Geodirectory and Aerial Photography. Consequently a preliminary visit by ESBI staff to the study area assessed conditions/topography, existing infrastructure and local constraints to identify folios that would accommodate the proposed substation development.

Taking into consideration the indicative design footprints of both the AIS and GIS compounds, the property ownership of these folios was reviewed via Property Registration Authority, Ireland (PRAI) to identify landholdings large enough to cater for the development.

Folios with connectivity to public roads and under/or in close proximity to the existing electrical infrastructure were specifically selected as potential sites.

This process resulted in nine potential folios being identified for the development – see Appendix B.

The selected folios were located in all directions of the centre point of the study area and all were of sufficient size to cater for either an AIS and/or a GIS style design. All folios are occupied by, or close to one or both of the existing electrical circuits required to connect to the substation site.

2.2 Substation Study Area Constraints

2.2.1 Planning History

Planning permission was investigated using the online planning search facility by Laois County Council3. No planning permission applications were identified that would act as a constraint as of 17th December 2010.

A Special Area of Developmental Control (SADC) encroaches onto the north of the study area. This is an area in need of special protection due to its sensitive character.

2.2.2 Waterways, Rivers and Canals

There are no canals in this substation study area. The nearest canal is the Grand Canal, lying approximately seven to eight kilometres north-east of the study area.

There are a number of rivers evident bounding the study area. These include the Bauteogue/Timahoe River, Honey Stream and Crooked River. These flow from south to north-east towards the Grand Canal, located 7km north-east of the study area and eventually to the River Barrow.

2.2.3 Settlement Pattern and Ribbon Development (RD)

Areas of concentrated rural housing exist in the townland of Ballygormill South and Ratheniska. Ratheniska the main settlement in the study area is a rural settlement consisting of a School, Roman Catholic Church, GAA Grounds and ancillary buildings and is

3 www.laois.ie/Planning (site visited December 2010)

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situated at the foothills of Hewson Hill and Grange Upper to the north of the substation study area.

2.2.4 Road and Railways

There are a number of regional roads in this substation study area. These comprise of the R427 Stradbally to Abbeyleix and the R426 Castlecomer to Portlaoise roads. There are numerous minor roads and cul de sacs that service 21 townlands either totally or partially in the study area.

There were no new roads planned in the area at the time of this study.

There are no railways in this substation study area.

2.2.5 Airports, Quarries and Forestry

There are no airports in this substation study area.

There are a number of existing gravel quarries and eskers in the townlands of Esker and Coolnabacky.

2.2.6 Existing electricity infrastructure

The electricity infrastructure consists of the Dunstown - Moneypoint 400kV overhead line, the Carlow-Portlaoise 110kV overhead line and an obsolete lattice steel tower in the townland of Loughteeog. There are smaller, lower voltage lines servicing houses and farms in the area.

Figure 2.1: The intersection of the existing 110kV and 400kV overhead lines crossing in the townland of Money Lower looking south east from the R427.

2.2.7 Bord Gais Eireann (BGE) infrastructure

There are no Bord Gais Eireann pipelines within this substation study area at present.4

4 http://www.bordgais.ie/networks (Site visited December 2010)

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2.3 Initial Folio Identification & Appraisals

Following the initial visit to the substation study area, nine folios were identified as potentially viable for the proposed development.

The nine folio locations are identified in Appendix B.

All nine folios were appraised on the following factors:

General Location

Vehicular Access

Topography

Planning History

Flooding History / Drainage

Overhead Line Access to Existing Network

Technical Factors

2.3.1 Folio No. 1

General Location

Folio No. 1 is located directly under/adjacent to the intersection of the Carlow-Portlaoise 110kV and Dunstown-Moneypoint 400kV lines in the townland of Money Lower. The predominant land use at present is crop farming/tillage.

The landholding is 44.5 hectares.

Vehicle Access

Access to the folio is from a local rural road that links the R427 and the R426 regional roads. Use of the rural road would be confined to access from the R426 for large scale deliveries due to the presence of mature trees shadowing the road from the R427 side.

Topography

The ground is generally level bounded by mature hedgerows and some trees.

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Figure 2.2: Residence and trees near Folio No. 1

Planning History

There are no planning permission applications outstanding or pending on the lands.


There is no evidence or history of significant flooding on the folio. There are no rivers or streams in the area.


The folio is located at the intersection of both the 110kV and 400kV lines.

Figure 2.3: Photo taken from R426 near junction of R427 facing north east towards Folio No. 1

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Technical Factors

The folio has good connectivity to the existing transmission system and is well serviced by public roadways. The folio is split by a rural road linking the R426 and R427 regional roads and the preferred location within the site is in a field to the east of this road that contains the crossing point of the existing 400kV and 110kV lines.

The section of the folio suitable will only accommodate a GIS development due to the small size of the landholding in question.

2.3.2 Folio No. 2

General Location

This folio is located in the Loughteeog and Money Lower townlands adjacent to and in close proximity to both the existing 110kV and 400kV lines. The folio is relatively flat (see figure 2.4 below).

This folio features high hedges that screen it from the R427 and minor roads. The folio is located off the R427 roadway close to Money Crossroads and is directly under/ adjacent to the Dunstown-Moneypoint 400kV line. The land is currently used for crop/tillage farming. The folio also includes an occupied dwelling with actively worked yards and buildings associated with farming.


Figure 2.4: Field near Folio No. 2 facing southwest from minor road

Vehicle Access

Access to the folio can be obtained from the R427 secondary road to the north.

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Figure 2.5: R427 road near proposed entrance to Folio No. 2.

Topography

The folio is generally level with some fall off to the south of the holding. The lands are bounded by existing hedgerows and some trees.

Planning History



During a site inspection in January 2010 some evidence of localised flooding at the R427 roadway near the entrance driveway to the holding was observed (see figure 2.6); however no significant record of flooding is registered on the OPW Floodmaps.ie database. There are no named rivers or streams on this folio.

Figure 2.6: Showing flooding to northern section of Folio No. 2 along the R427*

*Photo taken January 2010

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This folio is situated adjacent to the existing 400kV and 110kV lines.

Figure 2.7: Looking towards Folio No. 2 with existing 400kV angle tower in middle background, facing North West from minor road in Loughteeog townland.

Technical Factors

The folio has good connectivity to the existing 400kV line and is well serviced by public roadways.

An AIS and GIS development on the folio is possible with minimal connection distances to both the 400kV and 110kV transmission systems and its footprint would easily be accommodated on the south of the folio.

Folio No. 2 is considered to be able to accommodate future 110kV offloads to the southwest but may be constrained due to existing housing in all other directions.

2.3.3 Folio No. 3

General Location

This substation folio is located in the townland of Money Lower and is adjacent to the existing 110kV line. It is an isolated site and relatively flat. The folio is expansive and also includes a large occupied dwelling with active yards and buildings.


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Figure 2.8: Looking from R426 looking north east towards Folio No. 3 in the townland of Carrigeen

Vehicle Access

Access to the folio can be achieved from a local rural road that links the R427 and the R426 regional roads. Use of this rural road would be confined to access from the R426 for large scale deliveries due to the presence of mature trees shadowing the road from the R427 side.

Topography

The folio is level and the lands are bounded by existing hedgerows and some mature trees.

Planning History



There is no evidence or history of significant flooding on the folio.


To facilitate the substation a 400kV connection will be required from the north. The total length of 400kV line diversion required would be dependent on the final position within the folio.

Technical Factors

The folio has good connectivity to the existing 110kV line and is serviced by public roadways.

Either an AIS or a GIS development is possible on the folio with minimal connection distances to the 110kV system. The size and relative isolation of the landholding are

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favourable to a substation development however realignment of the existing 400kV line will be required.

2.3.4 Folio No. 4

General Location

This folio is located in the townland of Coolnabacky and is approximately two kilometres south of Money crossroads, directly under the Carlow-Portlaoise 110kV line. The folio is located in an isolated area north-west of a disused quarry.

The main land use here is crop/tillage farming.


Figure 2.9: View from access road in townland of Coolnabacky facing north with quarry to the RHS near Folio No’s. 4 and 5

Vehicle Access

Access to the folio is from the R426 road and a private quarry/access track.

Topography

The site is level and bounded by existing hedgerows and some large mature trees.

Planning History




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An overhead 400kV line connection will be required to the north of this folio. The length would be approximately 1.5km. The 110kV line is adjacent to the substation folio and no considerable routing of 110kV circuit is required.

Technical Factors

The folio has good connectivity to the existing 110kV transmission system and is well serviced by public and private roadways. Circa 1.5 km of 400kV diversion would be required to connect the site to the Dunstown-Moneypoint 400kV line.

The folio size is suitable for the development of a GIS development due to the small size of the landholding in question.

Figure 2.10: Typical road condition of access road in Coolnabacky leading to Folio No’s 4 and 5.

2.3.5 Folio No. 5

General Location

This folio overlaps the two townlands of Esker and Coolnabacky and is approximately two kilometres south of Money crossroads directly under the Carlow-Portlaoise 110kV lines. The folio is located in an isolated area north of a disused quarry.

The main land use here is crop/tillage farming.


Vehicle Access

Access to the folio is from the R426 road and a private quarry/access track.

Topography

The folio is level and bounded by existing hedgerows and some large mature trees.

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Planning History





An overhead 400kV line connection would be required from the north to this site. The length would be approximately 1.5km. The 110kV line is adjacent to the substation site and therefore no considerable routing of 110kV circuit is required.

Technical Factors

The folio has good connectivity to the existing 110kV transmission system and is well serviced by public and private roadways. The remote location of the site would lend itself favourably for substation development. Approximately 1.5km of 400kV diversions would be required to connect the site to the Dunstown-Moneypoint 400kV line.


2.3.6 Folio No. 6

General Location

The folio is located south of the R427 directly under the Dunstown-Moneypoint 400kV line approximately 1.5 km east of Money Crossroads towards Stradbally. It is located in the townland of Killavally/Loughteeog, and is sited along the minor road leading to Timogue Cross Roads. The folio is relatively flat and is adjacent to the existing 400kV line. It is currently used for crop/tillage farming.


Vehicle Access

Access to the folio can be obtained from the R427 road to the north or via a rural roadway which bounds the site to the west.

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Figure 2.11: R427 road junction with minor road leading to Folio No. 6 facing north east

Topography

The folio is relatively level with a small fall off to the south and is bounded by existing hedgerows and some trees. A dwelling occupies the folio and there are several dwellings neighbouring the folio.

Planning History





The folio is adjacent to the existing 400kV line and approximately 800m from the 110kV line.

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Figure 2.12: Overlooking high hedge into Folio No. 6 facing south west from minor road. Farm buildings can be seen as well as the existing 400kV line in centre of picture

Technical Factors

The size of this folio will cater for an AIS or GIS development. The site is adjacent to the 400kV transmission line.

2.3.7 Folio No. 7

General Location

This folio overlaps the two townlands of Ballygormill North & Ballygormill South. The folio is located directly under the Dunstown-Moneypoint 400kV line. It is the most westerly location of the folios identified in this study.

The main land use is crop/tillage farming. The landholding is 12.2 hectares.

Figure 2.13: View from R426 looking south west towards Folio No. 7

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Vehicle Access

Access to the folio can be achieved from the R427 secondary road or from the R426 and a private access track/driveway.

Topography

The folio falls slightly in a northerly direction and bounded by existing hedgerows and some mature trees.

Planning History





The folio is located under the existing 400kV line. However an 110kV connection of up to 1km would be required from the east of the site.

Technical Factors

The folio has good connectivity to the existing 400kV transmission system and is well serviced by public roadways.


2.3.8 Folio No. 8

General Location

Folio 8 is located on the R427 road, north east of Money Crossroads directly under/adjacent to the Carlow-Portlaoise 110kV line and is located in the townlands of Powelstown and Money Upper. It is adjacent to the R426 road to Portlaoise. The folio is bounded by the R426 and R427. Lamberton Demense House overlooks the site from west of the R426. The folio is also be overlooked by the upland area of Raheenanisky.

The main land use is crop/tillage farming. The landholding is 55.6 hectares

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Figure 2.14: Showing Money Cross Roads, junction of R426 and R427 facing north with Folio No. 8 to the RHS of picture

Vehicle Access

Access to the folio can be achieved from either the R427 or R426 roadways.

Topography

The folio is level and bounded by existing hedgerows and some trees. The topography is more elevated in nature with Lamberton Demesne to the west and Hewson Hill to the north.

Planning History

There are no planning permission applications outstanding or pending on these lands.




The folio is adjacent to the 110kV line; it will require a connection to the 400kV line that will necessitate crossing the R427.

Technical Factors

The folio size is suitable for both GIS & AIS substation builds.

The site has good connectivity to the existing 110kV transmission system and is well serviced by public roadways. Approximately 400m of 400kV diversions would be required.

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Figure 2.15: Open ground as seen from R426 facing north east in substation Folio No.8

Figure 2.16: Open ground as seen from R426 facing east at substation Folio No. 8

2.3.9 Folio No. 9

General Location

Folio No. 9 is located north east of Money Crossroads in the townlands of Raheenanisky and Killalooghan. It is situated under/adjacent to the Dunstown- Moneypoint 400kV line. The site is overlooked by a number of houses and will be visible from the upland area of Raheenanisky.

The land is currently used for crop farming. The landholding is 51.7 hectares.

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Vehicle Access

Access to the folio would be from a local rural road.

Topography

The folio is level and bounded by existing hedgerows and some trees. The site is open in nature. It is situated on elevated ground. A number of houses overlook the site.

Planning History





An overhead connection will be required for the 110kV to the south-west of the folio. A short circuit of 400kV to connect to the existing line will also be required.

Technical Factors

The folio size is suitable for the development of an AIS or GIS substation. Although under/adjacent to the 400kV line, the 110kV connection circuit routes may prove difficult due to the presence of existing housing close to the site.

Figure 2.17: Open ground on Folio No. 9 looking north near R427 and Killalooghan townland.

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Figure 2.18: Showing existing 400kV line on substation Folio No. 9

2.4 Summary of Initial Folio Selection

For each of the nine selected folios the criteria given below were compared at a high level.

General Location

Vehicular Access

Topography

Planning History



Technical Factors

The following table (table 2.1) summarises all nine folios together under the initial evaluation criteria.

25

Folio

No.

1

Folio

No.

2

Folio

No.

3

Folio

No.

4 Fo

lio N

o.5

Folio

No.

6 Fo

lio N

o.7

Folio

No.

8 Fo

lio N

o.9

Gen

eral

Lo

catio

n (H

ecta

res)

44

.5

hect

ares

31.7

hec

tare

s

79.1

he

ctar

es

12.7

hec

tare

s

7.7

hect

ares

64.3

hec

tare

s

12.2

hec

tare

s

55.6

hec

tare

s

51.7

he

ctar

es

Vehi

cle

Acc

ess

A

vaila

ble

Ava

ilabl

e A

vaila

ble

Ava

ilabl

e A

vaila

ble

Ava

ilabl

e A

vaila

ble

Ava

ilabl

e A

vaila

ble

Topo

grap

hy

Le

vel

Slig

ht fa

ll Le

vel

Leve

l Le

vel

Leve

l Sl

ight

fall

Leve

l Le

vel n

o sc

reen

ing

Plan

ning

His

tory

(Pen

ding

)

Non

e N

one

Non

e N

one

Non

e N

one

Non

e N

one

Non

e

Floo

ding

His

tory

/Dra

inag

e

Non

e Lo

calis

ed

Non

e N

one

Non

e N

one

Non

e N

one

Non

e

OH

L A

cces

s to

ex

istin

g N

etw

ork

400k

V

110k

V

Min

imal

Min

imal

Min

imal

Min

imal

Circ

a 0.

5km

Min

imal

Circ

a 1.

5km

Min

imal

Circ

a 1.

5km

Min

imal

Min

imal

Circ

a 0.

5km

Circ

a 1.

0km

Circ

a 1.

5km

Circ

a 0.

5km

Min

imal

Circ

a 1.

0km

Min

imal

Tech

nica

l Fac

tors

G

IS O

nly

AIS

/GIS

A

IS/G

IS

GIS

Onl

y

GIS

Onl

y

AIS

/GIS

G

IS O

nly

AIS

/GIS

AIS

/GIS

Tabl

e 2.

1: C

ompa

rison

Mat

rix o

f Sub

stat

ion

Folio

Opt

ions

26

PART B: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF FOLIO SELECTIONS

3 Environmental Assessment of Candidate Folios

3.1 Overview

Following on from the initial high level technical assessment of the folios described in Chapter 2, AOS Planning Ltd. was then tasked with reviewing the nine substation folios from an environmental perspective. This section evaluates all nine folios under the following environmental topics:

Ecology

Cultural Heritage

Hydrology & Hydrogeology

Soils & Geology

Human Beings

Landscape & Visual Impact

The main objective of these studies is to identify any potential environmental constraints at each folio and identify a preferred option (best folio). The identification of a preferred folio does not necessarily mean that other less preferred folios are excluded from consideration. Notwithstanding this, as well as evaluating each folio against the environmental criteria, the folios were also compared to each other and ranked accordingly.

As well as providing an overall environmental assessment of each entire folio, the environmental assessments also identify specific constraints within parts of folios. This highlighting of areas that should be carefully considered or avoided allows for an informed site layout design.

The studies were carried out in November/December 2010; the following table (table 3.1) details the authors of each topic.

Ecology Dr. Mark McCorry PhD, MIEEM.

Cultural Heritage Tobar Archaeological Services

Hydrology & Hydrogeology Mr. Brian Tiernan of AWN Consultants.

Soils & Geology Mr. Brian Tiernan of AWN Consultants.

Human Beings Ciara Kellett of AOS Planning Ltd.

Landscape & Visual Impact Conor Skehan of AOS Planning Ltd.

Table 3.1 Report Authors

27

3.2 Assessment of Substation Folios – Ecology

3.2.1 Methodology

This section follows guidelines recommended by the EPA (2002, 2003) and IEEM (2006) on the information to be contained in ecological surveys. Habitats are classified according to Fossitt (2000). The report is based on a desk study of the area. Sources of information such as National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and site synopses of sites of conservation interest (www.npws.ie) were used to identify areas of conservation interest. Records of rare plant and animal species (www.npws.ie) in the study area were consulted. The purpose of this desk top study was to collate the available information on the ecological environment and identify Local, National and European ecological constraints associated with the various potential substation folios.

Consultation has previously been carried out with NPWS, Southern Regional Fisheries Board (now part of Inland Fisheries Ireland) and Birdwatch Ireland regarding ecological constraints in the study area and potential impacts (Study Area Constraints Report AOS Planning Ltd. 2010).

3.2.2 Description of the general substation area

The general location of the potential substation folios is south of Money Cross Roads along the R427 road between Abbeyleix and Stradbally. Money Cross Roads is located 4km north of Timahoe village. Nine different folios are spread over an area of about 500 ha (5 km2) with the most distant folios being 2.65km apart.

The landscape of this area is mainly characterised by lowlands with elevations between 90-150 m. The underlying bedrock is limestone and calcareous shale and there are several soil and sub-soil types, with most based on this calcareous parent material. There are some glacial deposits in the area with alluvium deposits. Further south are some esker ridges (Timahoe Eskers).

This is a rural area and is dominated by farmland, with a network of fields containing improved grassland and tillage and connected by hedgerows. The soils of the area are generally quite fertile. There are scattered dwellings and other buildings in the area, mainly located along the various roads and private lanes in the area.

This area falls within the River Barrow catchment. The main water-courses in the area include the Timahoe River to the south, that flows to the east, and a small stream to the west that flows west towards the Triogue River. Further downstream the river is renamed the Bauteogue River. Further on, the river is again renamed the Stradbally River, east of Stradbally. The water-quality of the nearest sampling site along the Timahoe River (down-stream of the general area) was assessed as having a Q-value of 3-4 (considered moderate water quality).

28

3.2.3 Ecological Constraints

Ecological constraints within the overall study area have been described in a previous report (Study Area Constraints Report AOS Planning Ltd. 2010). Ecological constraints include sites of conservation interest that have been designated by NPWS as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC), Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) or proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA) (Table 3.2). The study area also includes one Nature Reserve that is owned by the state (Timahoe Eskers, also a proposed Natural Heritage Area). Summaries and site synopses of designated sites are present in Study Area Constraints Report AOS Planning Ltd. 2010.

Type NPWS site code NPWS Name County

Distance from nearest potential site

(km)

Nearest potential folio

cSAC 002256 Ballyprior Grassland La 3.8 4

cSAC 002162 River Barrow and Nore La 3.6 9

pNHA 000860 Clopook Wood La 5.0 4

pNHA 001800 Stradbally Hills La 4.9 9

pNHA 000421 Timahoe Esker La 0.38 4

pNHA 000876 Ridge of Portlaoise La 3.8 7

pNHA 001494 Dunamase Woods La 3.1 9

pNHA 000878 Rock of Dunamase La 3.2 9

pNHA 000867 Kilteale Hill La 3.2 9

Table 3.2: Sites of conservation interest around the general area of the proposed sub-station folios.

Table 3.2 also lists distances from sites of conservation interest to the nearest proposed substation folio. The nearest designated site is Timahoe Eskers pNHA and Nature Reserve, which is approximately 0.38 km from the closest potential folio (Folio 4). The rest of the designated sites are generally more than 3 km from any of the potential substation folios. The nearest part of the River Barrow and Nore cSAC is the Stradbally River, east of Stradbally Town. This river is downstream of the Stradbally River.

Ecological constraints also include wetland sites of importance to waterbirds and Important Bird Areas (IBA) (Study Area Constraints Report AOS Planning Ltd. 2010). The Important Bird Area (IBA) designation is a non-statutory designation, and therefore offers no legal conservation protection in Ireland. They have been identified and described as part of the Birdlife Important Bird Area Programme (Birdlife International 2001). Some of these IBAs overlap with pNHAs and cSACs. Other wetland sites of ecological value to waterbirds have been identified (Crushell 2010). The nearest significant wetland site of importance to waterbirds is at Cloney along the River Barrow, and this site is over 10 km away from the potential substation folios.

The overall study area contains several important rivers with significant fisheries value, of which the most important is the River Nore (Table 3.3). There are several small rivers and streams around the potential substation folios. These are also listed as ecological constraints, although they are not part of any particular designation or conservation area.

29

The Timahoe River flows towards Stradbally where the river is named the Stradbally River. The section east of Stradbally is listed as part of the River Barrow and Nore cSAC. This section contains the three Lamprey species including Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planeri), Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), River Lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) (all listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive) (King 2006). Natura Environmental Consultants (2008) also recorded White-clawed Crayfish (Astacus pallipes) and Otter (Lutra lutra) (both Annex I species listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive) and Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), (bird species listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive), in the Bauteogue River section. Otter have also been recorded in the general area (on the Foyle River several km to the west of the site). These species along with the Lamprey species were also recorded up-stream and west of Stradbally in the Bauteogue River section. There are also suitable gravel beds present for Salmonid fish in the Stradbally River (King 2006). However, this river is subject to moderate pollution, particularly when there are low water levels (SERBD 2009).

Annex I species such as White-clawed Crayfish and Otter are also likely to be present in the Timahoe River section adjacent to the general substation folio area as they have been recorded downstream in the Bauteogue River section.

Name Conservation/fisheries value Rating

Barrow Catchment

Timahoe Salmonid nursery. C

Foyle Salmonid nursery. C

Triogue River Salmonid nursery. C

Table 3.3: Summary of conservation/fisheries value of rivers around the general area. Sources include the Southern Regional Fisheries Board, Doherty et al. 2004, Igoe et al. 2004, Kurz & Costello 1999, Moorkens 1999, Reynolds 1988. See Appendix C for explanation of rating.

In addition to the rare and notable species of conservation interest described above, there are a number of records of other rare plant and animal species or species with restricted distributions recorded around this area that are listed from the NPWS database (www.npws.ie) (Table 3.4). While the NPWS database does have several records of some notable species such as Bat species and Otter, these species are likely to be much more widespread than indicated from this list.

Species Common Name Location Ten KM Square Full grid

Recorded date

Listed in Annex II

Listed in Annex IV

Listed in Annex V

Red Data Book

Galeopsis angustifolia

Red Hemp Nettle

Portlaoise S49 S4080 1933 1 V

Acinos arvensis

Basil Thyme

Portlaoise S49 S4080 1896 1 V

Table 3.4: List of species of conservation interest found around the general area

(taken from NPWS database www.npws.ie).

Main ecological constraints

The main ecological constraints of significant conservation value likely to be affected by construction of a substation at any of the potential folios includes the Timahoe Eskers pNHA and the Timahoe River (and downstream to the Stradbally River and the River Barrow designated as the River Barrow and Nore cSAC). The Timahoe River, while undesignated,

30

is likely to contain some aquatic Annex I species and also have value as Salmonid fisheries nursery. Other sites of conservation interest in the general area are over 3 km away from any of the potential folios and are therefore not likely to be affected by development at any of the potential folios.

3.2.4 Description of the potential sub-station folios

These descriptions are taken from examination of aerial photos of the area and from photographs and other information of each folio supplied by AOS Planning Ltd. Most folios are located in tillage fields planted with cereal crops (BC1) and are surrounded by hedgerows (WL1) (habitat codes refer to Fossitt 2000). Folios 3 and 7 are located in fields containing agricultural grassland (GA1). Note that listed habitats may be out of date as tillage land may now be ploughed or reseeded as grassland or planted with another crop (BC2/BC3/GA1). Table 3.5 outlines the main habitats at each folio and the approximate distance from the main ecological constraints of Timahoe River and Timahoe Esker pNHA.

Folio Main Habitats Distance from Timahoe River (km)

Distance from Timahoe Eskers (km)

Notes

1 BC1/WL1 2.2 1.9 level

under existing power lines

2 BC1/WL1 1.9 1.9 level

under existing power line

3 GA1/WL1 1.6 1.3 level


access to 400kV to north

4 BC1/WL1 0.7 0.4 level



access from existing quarry

5 BC1/WL1 0.9 0.5 level



access from existing quarry

6 BC1/WL1 1.6 2.1 level


access to 110kV to west

7 GA1/WL1 2.8 1.9 level


access to 110kV from east

8 BC1/WL1 2.7 2.5 level


access to 400kV from south

9 BC1/WL1 1.6 2.6 level


access to 110kV from west

Table 3.5. Summary of habitats at potential sub-station folios.

31

3.2.5 Potential ecological impacts requiring mitigation

The potential impacts of the development of a substation on ecological constraints are outlined in this section. Impact assessment has been undertaken with reference to the EPA Advice Notes on Current Practice (2003); the EPA Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (2003); with reference to Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment (IEEM, 2006) and the National Roads Authority’s Guidelines (NRA 2006), for ecological impact assessment. A precautionary approach has been used to making these assessments and in cases of uncertainty it was assumed the effects could be significant.

Each of the folios 1-9 are located within farmland (arable crops or agricultural grassland), which has low local ecological value (E) (habitat rating refers to NRA 2006 – Appendix C). Development of the substation at any of these potential folios will mean no significant loss of any habitat of significant local ecological value. Hedgerows that form field boundaries are more valuable and can be important wildlife corridors for wildlife in the area. Hedgerows have medium local ecological value (D). It is not known at this stage if hedgerows have to be removed at any of the folios, although there is likely to be some loss at some folios due to creating access roads etc.

This area is likely to be used by common farmland birds and also some birds listed on the Red and Amber lists of Birds of Conservation Concern (Lynas et al. 2007) such as Yellowhammer. It is also likely to be occupied by species such as Badger (Meles meles) (which are protected by the Wildlife Act). Other mammal species listed on the Red List (Marnell et al. 2009) that are likely to be present in the study area include Stoat (Mustela erminea), Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). The hedgerows are also likely to be used by feeding Bat species such as Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and Leisler’s Bat (Nyctalus leisleri), which are likely to be present in the area.

Tall electric structures are already present at each of these folios. Some folios may require further erection of overhead lines to link the substation to one or other of the existing power lines. However, the area is some distance away (> 10 km) from any wetland sites of importance to waterbirds and this area is unlikely to contain any regularly-used flight-lines used by species such as Whooper Swans, which could be affected by the erection of additional overhead lines.

The various substation folios are some distance away from most of the sites with ecological constraints in the study area (Table 3.2). There will be no significant permanent loss or fragmentation of any habitats of conservation significance at these sites.

The distance of most substation folios from sites of conservation interest minimises any potential impact of disturbance to wildlife using these sites. Only folios 4 and 5 are relatively close to Timahoe Esker (0.4-0.5 km) and do have potential to create some disturbance to wildlife, particularly during the construction phase.

32

Most of the impacts that can be predicted at this stage are largely associated with the construction phase. Construction impacts can involve disturbance to wildlife from light and noise. Potential impacts on aquatic habitats, fisheries and water quality could arise from the use of fuels, oils and other pollutants and run-off through soil disturbance during construction activity. These impacts could directly or indirectly (by affecting habitats downstream in the catchment) affect some of the water-courses in the study area. Care should be taken to minimise the run-off of silt into drains during the construction phase. Suitable mitigation measures include the use of silt-traps to avoid run-off of silt during construction entering the adjacent drainage system.

The location of the potential substation folios relative to the Timahoe River and drainage ditches that link to this river may be significant. The closest substation folio (Folio 4) is 0.7 km from the Timahoe River. Drainage ditches are also mapped in the field boundary north of Folios 4 and 5 that flows east towards the Timahoe River.

Consultations with the Southern Regional Fisheries Board (now part of Inland Fisheries Ireland) have also highlighted several other issues to be taken into consideration, such as the use of silt-traps to intercept runoff to streams and rivers and secure storage of fuels. The Fisheries Boards (now Inland Fisheries Ireland) have published guidelines relating to construction works along rivers5. The aim of these guidance notes is to identify the likely impact on fisheries habitat in the course of construction and development work, and to outline practical measures for the avoidance and mitigation of damage.

Construction practices should aim to reduce disturbance to habitats such as hedgerows at these folios. Care should be taken to limit disturbance to wet and dry drainage ditches. Where possible, the felling of mature trees should be minimised. Consideration should be given to the Wildlife Act. Any felling of trees and clearance of vegetation should take place outside of the bird nesting season (March to August). It is an offence to disturb the breeding place of protected bird species. However, there are certain exemptions for particular operations and consultations should be carried out with regional NPWS staff.

In general, there should be limited residual impact to any of the sites containing habitats of conservation significance or used by species of conservation significance (ecological constraints). Proper planning and mitigation should minimise any potential negative impacts on water quality of water courses in the study area.

3.2.6 Substation Folio Selection

The main criteria used for selection of preferred folios are

(a) the distance from Timahoe Esker pNHA,

(b) the distance from the Timahoe River, and

(c) minimising the construction footprint and length of the substation folio and additional lines and structures that may be required to connect the substation into the existing 400kV and 110kV lines.

5 http://www.srfb.ie/pdf/ROADCONSTRUCTION.pdf - website visited Nov 2010.

33

3.2.7 Recommended Folio

Each of the potential substation folios does have the potential to have some ecological impacts. Mitigation measures can be developed to address the majority of potential impacts at the construction stage for all folios; however there may be some residual impacts during the operational stage as indicated.

Folios 4 and 5 are closest to Timahoe Esker pNHA and Nature Reserve (within 0.4-0.5 km from the northern boundary). Construction at both potential substation folios may have potential to cause some disturbance to wildlife using the Timahoe Esker area and there may be some permanent disturbance impacts when construction of the substation is completed. Both folios are also located close to a field boundary with a drainage ditch directly linked to the Timahoe River. Both folios are least preferred for these reasons but should not be considered excluded.

Folios 2-9 are all located along the 400 kV or 110 kV power lines. Folio 1 is the only folio where the two overhead lines intersect.

Folio 1 is the preferred folio as it is located where the two existing overhead lines intersect. This would therefore reduce or minimise the requirement for any additional overhead lines and structures. Folios 2 and 8 are the next preferred, as these are the next closest to the existing overhead lines.

Finally, folios 3, 6, 7 and 9 are considered less preferred.

3.2.8 Desktop survey constraints

It is important to note that NPWS state that their datasets may be incomplete so that absence of records in a particular area should not be taken as an indicator of low biodiversity. Other useful datasets that may have valuable information are not generally available or distribution data is only available at a low resolution (e.g. 10 km grid squares – National Biodiversity Data Centres).

This report assessed the potential ecological constraints of the various substation folios based on available desk-top data. However, field-based ecological surveys during the EIS stage are likely to provide more detailed data on the ecological value of the various sub-station folios. For example the hedgerows at any of the substation folios may contain Badger setts (which are protected by the Wildlife Act).

34

3.3 Assessment of Substation Folios – Cultural Heritage

3.3.1 Introduction

A previous Constraints Report identified the most significant Cultural Heritage constraints within the overall project study area (Study Area Constraints Report, AOS Planning Ltd 2010).

3.3.2 Assessment of Substation Folios

A desk-based assessment report was undertaken for nine potential substation folios to highlight areas of potential archaeological sensitivity and to identify all recorded cultural heritage sites that may influence the selection of the substation folio at the northern end of the proposed electricity transmission line. The folios are all located in the vicinity of the existing Carlow-Portlaoise 110kV line or the Dunstown-Moneypoint 400kV line in County Laois.

The aim of this section is to assess each of the potential substation folios for their archaeological landscape potential and map each folio showing the identifiable cultural heritage features that may impact on choosing one folio over another. A preferred substation folio or folios will also be identified. For the purposes of this report, cultural heritage is considered to include the following elements:

Sites listed in the Sites & Monuments Record (SMR) Record of Monuments & Places (RMP) Sites listed in the Archaeological Inventory of County Laois Archaeological sites listed on the National Monuments Service website:

www.archaeology.ie Sites listed in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, Buildings of Ireland:

www.buildingsofireland.ie Sites uncovered in Excavations Bulletins

3.3.3 Documentary and Archival Sources

Documentary sources were used to assess the archaeological landscape potential of the study area within which the potential substation folios are located and to compile an archaeological and historical framework for the identified cultural heritage sites.

Archival sources were used to identify and map cultural heritage sites. The following archival sources were consulted:

Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) and Record of Monuments & Places

(RMP) and www.archaeology.ie National Monuments Service website

A primary cartographic source and base-line data for the assessment was the consultation of the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) and Record of Monuments and Places (RMP)

35

for County Laois. All known recorded archaeological monuments are indicated on 6 inch Ordnance Survey (OS) maps and are listed in this record. The SMR/RMP is not a complete record of all monuments as newly discovered sites may not appear in the list or accompanying maps. In conjunction with the consultation of the SMR and RMP the electronic database of recorded monuments which may be accessed at www.archaeology.ie was also consulted.

Record of Protected Structures

The Record of Protected Structures in the Laois County Development Plan was consulted for any cultural heritage sites that exist within the study area. No spatial data or grid references are available for the protected structures for Laois, therefore this information is not presented in the report.

List of Monuments covered by Preservation Orders and List of National

Monuments in the ownership / guardianship of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

National Monuments in the ownership / guardianship of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are listed on the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s website www.archaeology.ie.

Archaeological Inventory of County Laois

Further information on archaeological sites may be obtained in the published County Archaeological Inventory series prepared by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The archaeological inventories present summarised information on sites listed in the SMR/RMP and include detail such as the size and location of particular monuments as well as any associated folklore or local information pertaining to each site. The inventories, however, do not account for all sites or items of cultural heritage interest which are as yet undiscovered.

Laois County Development Plan 2006-2012

The Laois County Development Plan 2006-2012 was consulted for the schedule of buildings (Record of Protected Structures) and items of cultural, historical or archaeological interest which may be affected by the proposed development. The development plan also outlines policies and objectives relating to the protection of the archaeological, historical and architectural heritage landscape of the county (see Constraints Report for further detail).

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage www.buildingsofireland.ie

This source lists some of the architecturally significant buildings and items of cultural heritage and is compiled on a county by county basis by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The NIAH has been undertaken for County Laois and any relevant sites within the study area are included in this report.

Excavations Bulletins (www.excavations.ie)

Excavations’ Bulletin is an annual account of all excavations carried out under license. The database is available on line at www.excavations.ie and includes excavations from 1985 to 2005. This database was consulted as part of the desktop research for this assessment to establish if any archaeological excavations had been carried out within the study area.

36

Folio No. 1

National Monuments

No National Monuments in State Care/Ownership are located on or within close proximity to substation Folio No. 1. The nearest National Monuments are located c. 3.5km to the south in Timahoe (Reg. 114) and are unlikely to be directly or indirectly impacted by the construction of a substation on Folio No. 1.

Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) and Sites and Monuments Record (SMR)

No recorded archaeological monuments are located on or within close proximity to substation Folio No. 1. The nearest recorded monument (LA018-005 - Enclosure) is situated c. 260m to the north, on the north side of the public road.

Protected Structures and NIAH

No structures listed in the NIAH are located on Folio No. 1. The nearest structure listed therein is located c. 980m to the north-west in Lamberton Demesne (Lamberton House Gate Lodge – Reg. 12801803) and is unlikely to be visually impacted by the construction of a substation in this folio. The associated house and demesne are now gone.

Folio No. 2

National Monuments



One recorded monument (LA018-013 – Enclosure) is located at the east side of Folio No. 2. It comprises an enclosure which is shown on the 1841 and 1909 editions of the OS map, located in the corner of a field (Fig. 3.1). No surface trace of the monument now survives therefore the construction of a substation in Folio No. 2 will not have a visual impact on the enclosure. Sub-surface elements of the monument are likely to survive, however and are located within Folio No. 2. The construction of a substation in this area could therefore have a direct impact on the enclosure. For a full description of the monument see Appendix D.

37

Figure 3.1: Extract from Record of Monuments and Places, Laois Sheet 18, showing Enclosure LA018-013 in relation to Folio No. 2.


No structures listed in the NIAH are located on Folio No. 2. The nearest structure listed therein is located over 1km to the north-west in Lamberton Demesne and is unlikely to be visually impacted by the construction of a substation in this folio.

Folio No. 3

National Monuments



No recorded archaeological monuments are located on or within close proximity to substation Folio No. 3. The nearest recorded monument (LA018-014 – Horizontal Wheeled Water Mill) is situated c. 460m to the west, on the west side of the R426 public road. No surface trace of this monument survives (see Appendix D).

38



Folio No. 4

National Monuments



No recorded archaeological monuments are located on or within close proximity to substation Folio No. 4. The nearest recorded monuments are located over 1km from the folio and are unlikely to be directly or indirectly impacted by the construction of a substation on this folio.


No structures listed in the NIAH are located on Folio No. 4. The nearest structure listed therein is located c. 2.8km to the south in Timahoe village (Library – Reg. 12801802) and is unlikely to be visually impacted by the construction of a substation in this folio.

Folio No. 5

National Monuments



No recorded archaeological monuments are located on or within close proximity to substation Folio No. 5. The nearest recorded monuments are located over 1km from the folio and are unlikely to be directly or indirectly impacted by the construction of a substation on this folio.


No structures listed in the NIAH are located on Folio No. 5. The nearest structure listed therein is located c. 2.8km to the south in Timahoe village (Library – Reg. 12801802) and is unlikely to be visually impacted by the construction of a substation in this folio.

39

Folio No. 6

National Monuments



Two recorded monuments (LA018-049/001 and 002) are located within potential substation Folio No. 6. The monuments consist of a castle site (001) and a possible settlement cluster (002), both of which are unlocated (See Appendix D for full description). It is thought that the castle was located in the area now occupied by Prospect House, however, no trace of the structure survives. The location of the possible settlement has not been identified and only a vague reference to the presence of a settlement in the townland of Loughteeog survives. The supposed location of the castle should be noted when finalising substation locations in order to avoid any potential impacts on possible subsurface remains which may exist in this area.



Folio No. 7

National Monuments



No recorded archaeological monuments are located on or within close proximity to substation Folio No. 7. The nearest recorded monument is located c. 420m to the east of the folio and consists of a horizontal water mill (LA018-014) which has no visible surface trace. The monument is therefore unlikely to be directly or indirectly impacted by the construction of a substation on this folio.


No structures listed in the NIAH are located on Folio No. 7. The nearest structure listed therein is located c. 1km to the north in Lamberton Demesne and is unlikely to be visually impacted by the construction of a substation in this folio.

40

Folio No. 8

National Monuments

No National Monuments in State Care/Ownership are located on or within close proximity to substation Folio No. 8. The nearest National Monuments are located over 4km to the south in Timahoe (Reg. 114) and are unlikely to be directly or indirectly impacted by the construction of a substation on Folio No. 8.


No recorded archaeological monuments are located within the boundary of Folio No. 8. The site of an enclosure (LA018-005) bounds the substation folio to the east however, although no surface trace of the monument now survives. The construction of a substation within the boundary of Folio No. 8 is unlikely to have any visual impact on this monument given the lack of surviving upstanding remains. It is possible, however, that some sub-surface elements of the enclosure survive and may be located just inside the eastern boundary of the substation folio (Fig. 3.2).

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Figure 3.2: Extract from Record of Monuments and Places, Laois Sheet 18, showing substation folio No. 8 in relation to adjacent recorded monument LA018-005.


No structures listed in the NIAH are located on Folio No. 8. The nearest structure listed therein is located c. 600m to the west in Lamberton Demesne and is unlikely to be visually impacted by the construction of a substation in this folio.

Folio No. 9

National Monuments

No National Monuments in State Care/Ownership are located on or within close proximity to substation Folio No. 9. The nearest National Monuments are located over 4km to the south in Timahoe (Reg. 114) and are unlikely to be directly or indirectly impacted by the construction of a substation on Folio No. 9.


One recorded monument (LA018-009) is located within substation folio No. 9. It is listed in Archaeological Inventory of County Laois (Sweetman et al. 1995, 53) as an enclosure (site)

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of which there is no surface trace (see Appendix D for full description). It is shown on the RMP map as a ‘delisted’ monument, however it is still listed on www.archaeology.ie and shown on the accompanying map. It is possible that sub-surface deposits associated with the enclosure are located within substation Folio No. 9 and that the construction of a substation on the folio has the potential to have a direct impact on such deposits. The location of the enclosure should therefore be noted when finalising substation and access road locations.

Figure 3.3: Extract from Record of Monuments and Places, Laois Sheet 18, showing substation Folio No. 9 in relation to recorded monument LA018-009.


No structures listed in the NIAH are located on Folio No. 9. The nearest structure listed therein is located over 1km to the west in Lamberton Demesne and is unlikely to be visually impacted by the construction of a substation in this folio.

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Figure 3.4: Discovery Series map showing potential substation folios (1-9), recorded monuments, National Monuments and adjacent NIAH sites.

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3.3.4 Selection of Preferred Substation Folio

The overall objective of this assessment report is to highlight cultural heritage sites within or near to each substation folio so that an informed decision can be made regarding the avoidance of cultural heritage features during the substation folio selection process. A general impact statement will be made regarding each substation folio and a preferred folio or folios will be chosen. Cultural heritage sites include Recorded Monuments, Protected Structures/NIAH and National Monuments. Only the available documentary and cartographic sources were utilised in order to assist in the selection process and no field work was undertaken.

Folio No. 1: No cultural heritage sites are located on or in close proximity to this potential substation folio. The nearest recorded monument consists of a levelled enclosure (LA018-005) which has no visible surface trace. Direct or indirect (visual) impacts on this monument as a result of the construction of a substation within folio No. 1 are unlikely. In this regard Folio No. 1 is regarded as an acceptable option.

Folio No. 2: One recorded monument (LA018-015 Enclosure) is located within the boundary of substation Folio No. 2. The enclosure does not have any above ground remains therefore no visual impacts are anticipated. Sub-surface features and deposits associated with the enclosure may survive on the folio. Ground works associated with the construction of a substation have the potential to directly impact on such features and deposits therefore the area of this enclosure should be avoided when selecting the substation site. No further impacts on additional cultural heritage sites are anticipated.

Folio No. 3: No cultural heritage sites are located on or in close proximity to this potential substation folio. The nearest recorded monument (LA018-014 – Horizontal Wheeled Water Mill) is situated c. 460m to the west, on the west side of the R426 public road. No surface trace of this monument survives, therefore no visual impacts are anticipated. In this regard Folio No. 3 is regarded as an acceptable option.

Folio No. 4: No cultural heritage sites are located on or in close proximity to this potential substation folio. The nearest recorded monuments are located over 1km from the folio therefore no direct or visual impacts are anticipated. Folio No. 4 is regarded as the most preferred option for the proposed substation folio.

Folio No. 5: No cultural heritage sites are located on or in close proximity to this potential substation folio. The nearest recorded monuments are located over 1km from the folio therefore no direct or visual impacts are anticipated. Folio No. 5 is therefore also regarded as the most preferred option for the proposed substation folio.

Folio No. 6: Two recorded monuments (LA018-049/001 and 002) are located within potential substation Folio No. 6. The monuments consist of a castle site (001) and a possible settlement cluster (002), both of which are unlocated. While both monuments are not precisely located, local information places the castle on the site of the present-day Prospect House. Visual impacts are unlikely given the lack of upstanding remains. It is possible however that the construction of a substation in this folio may have a direct impact

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on sub-surface archaeological remains which may be present. In this regard Folio No. 6 is not a preferred option for the substation folio.

Folio No. 7: No cultural heritage sites are located on or in close proximity to this potential substation folio. The nearest recorded monument consists of a horizontal mill site (LA018-014), over 400m to the east, which has no above-ground expression. As no direct or visual impacts are anticipated Folio No. 7 is regarded as an acceptable option for the substation.

Folio No. 8: No cultural heritage sites are located within the boundary for Folio No. 8. One archaeological monument (LA018-005 – Enclosure) bounds the folio to the east. Although no above-ground trace of the enclosure survives it is possible that some sub-surface elements of the monument survive and may be located just inside the eastern boundary of the substation folio. Construction works associated with the proposed substation have the potential to have a direct impact on such sub-surface remains. Folio No. 8 may still be regarded as an acceptable option if the south-eastern portion of the folio was excluded from all development.

Folio No. 9: One recorded monument (LA018-009 – Enclosure) is located within Folio No. 9. The enclosure does not have any surface trace therefore visual impacts are not anticipated. It is possible that sub-surface features and deposits associated with the monument are located within the substation folio and may be directly impacted by construction works. In this regard Folio No. 9 is not a preferred option for the substation site.

3.3.5 Preferred Substation Folio

The preferred substation folios are No’s 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7. Folios 4 and 5 are the most preferable given the lack of cultural heritage sites on or within close proximity to same. Folios 2, 8 and 9 are considered least preferred, but should not be considered excluded. Folio 6 possibly contains sub surface features and is the least preferred option.

3.3.6 Recommendations

The assessment contained within this report is based on a desktop study only. In order to fully assess all potential impacts and to avoid any direct or indirect impacts on the cultural heritage landscape the following recommendations are made:

It is recommended that all cultural heritage sites should be excluded from the

proposed substation folio, where possible.

The chosen folio should be subject to a visual field inspection by a suitably

qualified archaeologist prior to the commencement of any site works.

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3.4 Assessment of Substation Folios – Hydrology & Hydrogeology

3.4.1 Methodology and Information Sources The following list of maps and publications, together with the databases noted, were reviewed as part of the desk study:

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) well and groundwater records, with reference to hydrology and hydrogeology,

Ordnance Survey of Ireland Discovery Series 1:50,000 Map Series, Nos. 54 & 55,

GSI, Geology of Kildare-Wicklow, Sheet 16, Department of Environment, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & GSI,

Groundwater Protection Scheme Guidelines, 1999, Water Framework Directive Monitoring Programme, EPA 2006, South Eastern River Basin District Management Plan, SERBD 2009, Office of Public Works flood mapping data (www.floodmaps.ie).

3.4.2 Hydrology The study area is located within the South Eastern River Basin District, as defined by European Communities Directive 2000/60/EC, establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy (commonly known as the Water Framework Directive). There are no rivers at or adjacent to the proposed substation locations but the study area is within the catchments of a number of rivers. A river is defined in the Water Framework Directive as “a body of inland water flowing for the most part on the surface of the land but which may flow underground for part of its course”.

3.4.2.1 Surface Water Features No major surface water features were found at the proposed locations or adjacent to the proposed locations. See Figure 1 (Appendix E). However, there may be streams within the study area that are not identified on the OSI and EPA mapping. For the purpose of the constraints study the following rivers were assessed as the proposed substation locations are within the vicinity of these catchments:

Timahoe River Timogue River Bauteogue River

Any watercourses within the study area are likely to be tributaries of these rivers. Baseline data has been collected from the aforementioned information sources in order to form a comprehensive database of the water quality in the study area. This will assist in the assessment of any potential impact(s) on the hydrological environment from the proposed substation option when chosen.

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3.4.2.2 Water Framework Directive Surface Water Quality Status The European Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) (WFD) was implemented in Ireland by S.I. 722 of 2003, European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003. These regulations established in Irish law, a framework for community action in the field of water policy. The Water Framework Directive requires ‘good water status’ for all European waters by 2015, to be achieved through a system of river basin management planning and extensive monitoring. The study area is located within the South Eastern River Basin District (SERBD). Significant water management issues are included in the SERBD within the water management action plans compiled as part of the SERBD Management Plan 2009 - 2015. Table 3.6 shows the current status of the rivers monitored in the study area as part of the plan.

River WFD Status

Timahoe River Moderate

Timogue River Poor

Bauteogue River Moderate Table 3.6: WFD Status of rivers within the Study Area

3.4.2.3 Water Supply Water usage in the study area is primarily supplied by Laois County Council from their surface water abstractions of water courses and supplemented by groundwater abstraction boreholes. There are also a number of private wells within the

laois-kilkenny reinforcement project...preferred substation site for an ais and also for a gis type...

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